Lauren

Friends, I don’t know what the weather is like for you, but in New York, IT’S FREEZING.
It was 10 degrees when I left my house yesterday morning.
I’m not kidding when I say 10 degrees. I mean 10 degrees fahrenheit, so cold it makes you cry and then the tears freeze to your cheeks. See what I’m saying?

So I left my house yesterday morning to go do a shoot and I was wearing:

I didn’t even bring my bag because I couldn’t bear the thought of taking my hands out of my jacket.

As sexy and classy as it comes. I was quite the roadie*.

I got to the shoot and I gotta say, it was like a giant black coat conference for the girls (and there were ONLY girls there. Only one guy. Poor dude.)(He was wearing a giant black coat though, so that’s something.)

Moncler (Very chic), Canada Goose (THE coat on all the folks at photo-shoots. Pretty tech, but still cool), Uniqlo (of course), and a few others that were less identifiable.

You know, exactly those kind of days where everyone just throws up their hands and says “I GIVE UP! Screw it!!!” Who cares about style anyway, screw you fashion, come into my arms eskimo ! Grab mama’s giant parka. You know the one I’m talking about. Yeaaah, that giant one you we forbid her to wear in 1999 and just hid at the bottom of her closet? Yeah, that one. Voilà.

And then find a ski-mask, put some of those foot warmers in your shoes, and let’s go have that crazy hot chocolate, you know, the one that’s so thick it stands on its own, no cup needed ?***… Yeah. All that.

With my roadie outfit on, I was feeling pretty ok fashion-wise, actually. We all joked about our combat outfits and were very satisfied with ourselves, patting each other on the shoulder.

And then suddenly, Lauren showed up with her beautiful burgundy coat, her big turtle neck, that super cute hat, and right then, I thought Lauren, that girl does not give up.

Lauren, even when it’s 10 degrees, I mean not-kidding 10 degrees, she brings on the cute.

(I don’t know why I’m speaking in italics but admit it, it kinda adds some effect. I could also speaking in italics and bold, to give a little drama to my story, or even BOLD AND ALL CAPS, but you’d tell me that I was being a little too sensational about things. So italics it is.)

It totally inspired me though. I thought about Canadians (hello friends!)(-25 in Montreal last weekend)(HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THAT?(!!!)(!!!)(!!!), Russians, Icelanders. I remember suddenly that heat tech was not made just to be worn by dogs (Because in New York right now, the dogs are often better dressed than the humans)(They even have little booties on, which is the cutest, most irresistible and ridiculous thing). I also remembered that fashion week is coming up (to your battle stations!) and I’m not going to be able to keep hiding in my igloo or my giant parka each time we go below 32.

You’re gonna have to leave the house, G, you’re gonna have to leave the house. To go outside.

This is where I call on the power of the blooooooogging world power to ask you:

How do you stay chic in the cold, BESIDES CANADA GOOSE and hot chocolate with 454475 calories?

———

*Ok, so. It’s not a beanie, but I try have people believe it’s a beanie cause I have no idea where I put my real beanie. But as it’s a normal wool hat that I just try to convert into a beanie, it doesn’t hold itself at all like a beanie. It behaves like a smurf hat, more. See what I mean ?

**Roadie : The guys who carry all the instruments and everything for the rock group you were a fan of with when you were 15, like, so much in love with that you fell in love with the roadie, who was “so much cooler than the snobby rockers.”

*** Yes, this kind of hot chocolate exists and I have to do a whole post on it because what’s more, it’s served with a giant melty marshmallow in the middle. I think it’s got near 54534232 calories in it and is a direct ticket (no return) toward planet diabetes, but you have to try it at least once in your life.
The thing is I tried it for the first and last time in my life the other day and I was in such a violent sugar shock that I had to go to sleep, at 5:00 p.m. in the middle of a Saturday shopping adventure. Yep. I hopped in a cab, abandoned my friends and went to sleep until 8. It’s a high price to pay for hot chocolate, but it’s totally worth it.

YES! Layers under layers under layers… I survived a winter in Michigan with a Burberry Wool & Cotton coat, with inches and inches of snow! People would look at me very weird and ask me whether:
* I was out of town (Yes, I love rien, I’m Parisien)
* I was cold dressed like that
So cold weather is not a reason to give up on Fashion!
Heat, on the other hand… ;-)

Well, Garance, this is exactly what I have been wanting to ask you for a long time already. I live in a place where the temperatures are below 0 (celcius) for months and months, and where -12 or -16 can stay on for weeks. And the streets are covered with snow, or ice, or slush and huge amounts of sand, so that it ruins all nice shoes in no time. You can wear wool underneath all you clothes. It helps, but is difficult to find wool shirts with a dekollete big enough that you can wear it under blouses and shirts, without everybody seeing it right where your necklace should have been. But despite wool underwear and parkas and so on, I still keep freezing.

Garance, after 10 New York winters (before I finally gave up and moved to California) I learnt pretty quick jeans are not warm and cosy, that bitter wind goes right through them. I used to wear Patagonia Capilene bottoms as a base layer underneath and they probably saved my life…. Give them a try, really light and thin you don’t know you’ve got them on!

I live in Norway, so cold weather and lots of snow is something I have to deal with every year from late October to (worst case) early April. Most of the time, I give up, and wear a goose down jacket (Canada Goose is super popular here, as is Parajumpers, I have one from Moose Knuckles which is super warm) and super warm, totally uncool boots. The advantage of having a big, warm jacket is that you don’t need that many thick layers underneath, so I do look quite civilised at work. I also change my shoes indoors, otherwise I would melt during the day. (Also the snow makes any attempt at wearing pretty, high heeled shoes outside downright hazardous.) Apart from that, lots of wool (my wool/silk underwear from Oscalito is a life saver), many thin layers and not too tight clothes is my mantra (it is essentially warm air that insulates in garments such as a goose feather jacket, so wearing tight jeans, shoes that just fit etc. will make you feel colder). I have countless numbers of cashmere scarfs (Nordstrom makes great cashmere scarfs), and thick sheep skin mittens. And of course a bunch of woolen hats, beanies and all.

Also from Norway, I agree with evenything Guro says. In addition, I never wear jeans when it’s below 0, but rather tights with skirt/dress/oversized pull over, and I tend to use several layers of thin wool, cashmere or alpaca, often mixed with slik. Cotton is banned, too cold.

My mom taught me long ago that the key to stylish dressing in freezing weather is silk ‘long johns.’ This is a layer that is between your ‘unmentionables’ and outfit. Silk traps in the heat, yet is still thin so the outer layers don’t look bulky. They can be harder to find in the US, however these are some quick fixes as you look: silk stockings (if you hate the elastic band on a regular basis you can cut it) and silk camisoles ( most important thing is to cover is your back).

She then taught me to cover all my outer parts well, feet, hands, and head. Sneakers are too thin for this weather so best to wear leather or other made for winter boots wth thick socks, cashmere lined leather gloves and then a wool hat.

and always keep a small bar of dark chocolate in your pocket, the sugar rush will help you get warm and the endorphins will keep you smiling through the frozen tears

I agree on the silk long underwear. I live in Minnesota and it’s a must. Try Winter Silks for a good U.S. supplier. They come in different weights and styles. They feel wonderful against the skin and they don’t add any bulk to your clothing. The price point is good, too.

I live in Milan and although it’s not as cold as New York it can get pretty chilly here as well! So for me it’s all about the layers, but this time the layers go underneath, where they cannot be seen! I wear bodysuits under my sweaters so I won’t freeze my tummy and under the skinny jeans just a pair of tights. A huge scarf is also a good idea because it can double as a blanket!

I am a Spaniard who has been living in Switzerland for a year, so I have had no other choice but to adapt to the cold cold weather and abandon the idea of using “normal” clothes during the winter months… My tips: Woolrich parka (I find the cut much nicer than Canada Goose) and… insulated insoles that keep your feet extremely warm!! Definitely something everybody should try, everything changes when your feet are warm!

P.S. First time I comment on an entry but I have followed your blog for some time now and I want to thank you ever so much. I have been learning French for a couple of years and reading your blog is BY FAR the funniest and most entertaining way I have found to learn French. Merci!!!!!!!!

I agree. I’m Canadian and I live in the capital, which is close to Montreal and where it also was -40 C with the windchill this week. Although Canada Goose parkas are of good quality, I like the Woolrich I bought in Italy as no one else here has one. The cut is also a bit slimmer and more elegant, although I will say that the fabric of my particular model is less durable than the Canada Goose fabric. It’s very warm though, and mine has a nice belt and a pretty hood.

I’m there with you. Yesterday was brutal…and me, living in yoga pants, I just had to layer some heattech leggings underneath. Plus tall boots, a long coat (although I was so sick of my puffy coat, I opted for a fun wool high collar number yesterday), hat, and nice gloves! Plus, there’s no way I’m undressing during the day (even to change at the yoga studio), so I just peel off the layers when I get there!

Garance I have the warmest coat you could ever imagine. This jacket is warmer (temperature) and cooler (fashion) than Canada Goose etc., and its made in Canada so we know it can stand our winters! I’ve been stopped by people in Tokyo, Copenhagen and NY all commenting on how stylish it looks, and how its not just a shapeless parka. Its made by a small Canadian company and they sell out but that’s for a reason! I have one in red and one in black- it’s a real standout piece!http://store.mooseknucklescanada.com/products/stirling-parka

I needed this wakeup call thank you! I’m from SF and spending NYFW in NYC, and CLEARLY w/ my shopping lately I haven’t been preparing myself for this level of cold. Going parka shopping this weekend!!!

I think looking chic should be approached the same way as etiquette: the “rules” are to be applied with consideration to the circumstances and so as not to offend the people around you. For example: you may have learned to eat with knife and fork, but if your hosts are eating with their hands you shouldn’t ask for cutlery – you don’t want to make them feel like cavemen. Same as with fashion: “chic” may require fancy footwear, but if that means your feet are freezing off, you’re not only making your own life more difficult, but also your colleagues’ (blue, bleeding feet = not a nice sight, Garance who can’t stand on her feet = highly impractical). So you wear whatever keeps you warm! That’s my theory :)

I live in Montreal and I was just saying to my daughter that I hate winter because we all look the same walking down the street. BIG coat in black, huge boots, hats down to our eyes and a scarf covering up our faces! We could have the cutest outfit on underneath but who would know with all of our gear we have to put on to survive this COLD! I want summer!!
xx

stylish while freezing? definitely not me! or “stylish” and cozy despite the cold weather? not me either :) because i don’t have a style, yeah it is true..

if you have a style, i believe that it would not hibernate throughout the winter, no matter how cold it is outside, because your style would be part of you/your identity/your life etc etc, and lives with you unconditional…

You know what? Where I live (-15C right now, goes down to -30C often), I’ve started considering a parka and skinny jeans a stylish choice, when a lot of the people wear ski pants and big wool socks in their sneakers. I have to wear long sports underwear beneath my skinnies, though. We’re used to it. I don’t grab for Uggs and ski clothes when it gets cold. Some black leather riding boots, good wool mittens and high-tech sports underwear do just fine. It can be annoying for me, but not as annoying as my friends from Southern Europe, who complain about above-zero Celsius temperatures being cold. :)

So, don’t worry, Garance, you’ll make it work and you don’t have to be cold. Your personality will shine through even the thickest of clothes!

Besides wearing the warmest clothes I can find in my closet, during the winter time I prefer layering different items… I think by layering you can achieve a chic interesting look- a shirt underneath a jumper, plus a fluffy cardigan, or a jumer and a vest, a blouse and a cardigan, etc.
Try different combinations…

Well, I’m actually from New York originally, but I live in Brazil now, so cold is not usually a problem I have…

But I love dressing up in the cold! Just pile on scarves and accessories. The greatest upsides are that you can have an and as many fat days as you want because no one will be able to tell if your tummy’s sticking out under all the sweaters and coats, and that you get to give all of your accessories a spin!

I live in Edmonton, Canada. Yesterday with the wind and blowing snow it was around -25 C. Other than the natural Canada Goose, there is Helly Hansen and North Face. But one can always rely on fur. A nice shearling jacket will keep you toasty.

Believe it or not, warm thermals – not the old fashion kind with thick waffles. They comes in all walks of life now – from traditional (don’t know- don’t buy ’em) to everyday (cuddl duds, uniglo’s heattech) to sporty (nike, icebreaker,smartwool). They are thinner now so i wear them underneath my clothes or on less frigid temperature – as my clothes as they are every day basics like leggings and long sleeve tops but with performance. Fabric technology has gone a long way.

So this week it’s been crew/turtleneck and legging underneath everything as usual outfits. Top with, yes, big fat parka.

Brrrr, here in southern Ontario too it is cold and with lake effect snow, always a challenge to be warm stylishly. I have to say my best looking parka was bought in Montreal at Ogilvie’s (genius store) and my nether regions always look great clothed in ANYTHING by Harricanna Mariouche. She repurposes furs into hats, mitts, shawls, boot covers etc and has the most interesting story, you should check her out.
I can be walking my dog across a windswept open field and stay warm knowing that if a frost bitten Tommy Ton stumbled across me, before he collapsed in my arms gasping for help, he would want to take my picture.

Well, I’m not exactly in the thick of winter right now, living in Madrid, we complain when it gets down to freezing, but I am originally from Wisconsin, so I feel qualified to make a few recommendations. First off, head-wear: Lauren looks cute enough in that baseball cap, but that thing is not keeping her warm. You lose 90% of your body heart through your head (or so they told us when we were growing up), so put a real hat on. It better be thick wool, or cashmere. No cotton, no acrylic. You also need a huge scarf, again, thick wool or cashmere, and it needs to be able to wrap around multiple times and cover up any holes where the air might try to sneak in (like if your coat doesn’t close all the way up under your chin). Also, you need to layer. Seriously. The best thing ever is to layer something like Wintersilks, which are super thin but trap heat really well, cause they won’t really affect your bulkiness. Put the leggings on too. And if that means you can’t wear your skinny jeans, well then you can’t. In fact, it’s always better to have a little bit of air in between each layer, it gets warm and helps insulate, so skin-tight clothes aren’t ideal in the least. And need I say it? Wool socks. Two pairs while you’re at it. Hey, I’m serious, people think that because I’m from WI I don’t get cold, it’s in my blood or something, but the real trick is, I just know how to dress for it!

No sneakers and skinny jeans for that kind of weather. My lifesaver (as I have to spend at least few hours outside every day) has been long raincoat/ parka that keep all wind out, some light undershirt with set of unknown material vest and skirt (knee high) proper stocings with real leather boots. And off course granny knitted gloves with extra pockets for fingers (no need to take them off in order to attend some phone call) and real wool socks… I weren´t a fann of skirts before and wore mostly jeans but with this cold winter my mind is made up that no jeans anymore. This outfit is suitable for playing in the snow and with some detail changes good for evening events. If I only could find silmilar combo for spring. The skirt and vest are the best because they are darkgrey and keep my body warm and looks like chic dress in every situation without getting too hot/ cold througout the day.
The three layers of cloths is all that is needed- underwear, light to keep body breathing (as recomended earlier silk for ex), something warmer and something to keep wind and snow out of your “system”… + proper boots with knitted gloves and scarfhat do the trick.

I’m kind of wondering the same thing. Last Feb for fashion week I thought it was terrifyingly cold, but maybe that’s because I’m used to California winters. But seriously, I need to be warm and adorable.

I live in Montreal (currently minus 38 celsius with windchill today!) and am from Vermont so I’ve grown up with these temperatures! I have to say that Vermonter’s figured out warm dressing long ago. Today I pulled out my mom’s Woolrich wool plaid shirt (I stole it from her last winter) to wear over a Uniqlo undershirt because it is just the warmest thing! (Scott actually wrote about Woolrich here http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/on-the-slopes-woolrich-field-coat-stowe-vermont/ )!

That shirt plus my Pajar parka, beanie, scarf, and spare hand warmers in my pockets keeps me toasty. Plus the underground city here means you don’t have to go outside other than a fast walk to the metro. :-)

Also, it may only be me, but I love the bundle-to-the-gills cozy look (turtleneck under collar shirt, top with boxy chunk sweater- heaven!) with the skinny legs and kick-ass wedge boots look. Could be age but find it easier to look chic during the winter than the strip-down-summer time.

I’m a Spanish girl who moved to a little town in the north of Germany two years ago. Since then, I’m in that “WTF, screw it, I just don’t won’t to freeze” kind of mood. I remember when I used to wear heels and dresses in Madrid… Sigh! Winters are really hard here, from October to April it’s really, really, REALLY cold. But the worst thing is that hideous wind that comes from the North Sea and makes the Real Feel even worst (by Real Feel I mean the actual temperature that you feel, not the one that appears on the thermometer, ia there a word for that?). Anyway, last year the thermometer on my terrace (yes, I have a terrace. With this weather.) stopped one night in minus 20ºC. I’m Spanish!!! I’m suffering here!!!
So my life changed when I found THE COAT. Ok, Garance, is not a Stella McCartney, but it’s super super super warm and it doesn’t make me look like a ball because it has…. a belt!!! Great Invention. And a very nice slim cut that shows that I have a waist and I’m a woman. And it’s not super puffy and it’s black, that always makes you look slimer, obviously. And it has faux fur on the neck area, so although it’s a quite casual coat, that twist adds a little bit of glamour to all the skimo look. And the most important thing: it makes me feel like a baby inside a stroller, all wrap up in that kind of duvet/ sleeping bag that they have, do you know what I mean? The brand is not fancy, is a brand that started making clothes for the Hamburg harbour workers, so they know cold and humidty and snow and rain and wind and all the adverse weather conditions, that seem to love this part of the world and party here all Winter long. The brand is called Wellensteyn. I may not be the prettiest girl in town, but as they say in Spain: ande yo caliente y riase la gente. I can’t translate that, but basically: screw it, my coat is warm!!
I was going to talked about my Winter boots too, but I think this comment is too long now… So thanks and goodbye.
:-)

haha!! Hey, a Spanish here as well! Although living in London with “only” -3ºC at the moment, I still freeze even if I actually come from northern Spain instead of the warm south. This Christmas I went home and I “stole” a fantastic thick dark brown sheepskin leather coat from my mum (oversized 80s style). I call it The Bear, because it actually feels like a grizzly bear or something of that kind. It hugs you and is like 2 or 3 sizes bigger than I am so I can fit any kind of thick Christmas jumper underneath!! Then I pair it with a Russian style hat covering half my face while I try to breathe through a thick scarf. But my hands and feet are still as cold as always! :(

I live in Canada, in Saskatchewan and let me tell you – it is cold! Between -20 and -40 with wind chill these days. Here’s the key: layers, layers, layers. Even though it feels ridiculous – leggings – even under skinny jeans! Wool socks, with another pair of thin socks underneath in cute Sorrels. Long underwear isn’t lame – it’s just practical, especially the thin superwarm kind. Of course, you must have a good parka – down, preferably with a hood with fur. It is not impossible to get cute ones – the search may be hard, but it’s totally worth it for the winter months. I have an American Apparel beret that looks cuter than toques (beanies) and my big head phones actually work as cooler looking earmuffs. There are my tips – oh and a ton of moisturizer to combat the cold/wind burn on your cheeks. : ) Ridiculous. Bundle up!

Oh dear Garance, go for those Japanese heating pads and a portable rechargeable hand warmer! I used to live in Shanghai, a city with no heating and insufferable damp in winter… These saved my life, literally..

You can find the Japanese heating pad in Japanese supermarkets – make sure you get the ones meant to be used in cold weather, not those for aromatherapy. Also, those are stick-able to your cloth (make sure do not stick them on your skin otherwise you’re gonna hurt yourself- I usually do stick them outside my cami or on the inside of my blouse – they are disposable after 8-10 hours).

You can get the rechargeable hand warmer on Amazon – I usually go for the brand “Sanyo” – they are very small and you can sneak them into your coat pocket whenever you don’t need them.

I second HOKALON !! They are Japanese disposable heat pads that you stick on your shirt, lasts 8hrs or so -really keeps you sane when it’s freezing cold! I usually put it on my first layer on my back, under a jumper. And no one would know ;) Thank you for cheering me up always. xx n*

I live in Winnipeg, it’s often -40, so here’s what I wear: jeans (tights underneath are fine if you are going to be mostly outside, but get uncomfortable, I find, inside), a long sleeve blouse (silk is great), over this a normal weight or thin blazer, over that a heavier wool blazer (the one I wear for this purpose is from club monaco and has a good structure so it doesn’t look shapeless) Over this a knee length double breasted black wool coat. Sometimes two scarves, and then my extremely warm rabbit fur hat. This is so far not only the warmest hat I’ve ever had, but looks the best too. I got it brand new at the Sunday flea market on Columbus and 76th st. for $25 a few years ago. Unless I’m going to be outside for a while, (in which case I wear my big white snow boots) I usually wear a pair of those ubiquitous military style boots, and then change my shoes indoors. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not possible to look good at -40!

I live in Finland, and the temperature has been around -10C ever since December. Last weekend it dipped to -20C. How to survive and yet be stylish? Firstly, the materials. I wear lots of wool, cashmere, leather, and most of all, fur. Secondly, layers are the key. Tights under pants, a cashmere turtleneck topped with a leather t-shirt, a fur cape on top of a long wool coat. Thirdly, all parts of the body must be protected. It makes no point of wearing a thick sweater if one wears only skinny jeans. Finally, boots can have moderate heels (5-7cm), but the heel must be sturdy, the boot must contain thermal soles or wool socks, and it is advisable to ask the cobbler to attach winter outsoles to make the shoe less slippery.

Along these lines, some of my favourite winter items are: fur coat with cropped sleeves, worn with long leather gloves lined in cashmere. Knee-length Ralph Lauren skirt in camel-hair&wool tweed, worn with woolen tights. And just to bring some color into the darkness of mid-winter days: a bright orange wool coat worn with a vintage fur hat.

great topic garance! it was -25 when i left the house (in Canada) this morning so i can relate. here are my essentials:

1. WARM BOOTS: screw fashion (although Sorels are great and can be cute), if your feet are warm it’s hard to be cold. i keep a drawer full of shoes in my desk at work and just change as soon as i get there. oh, and SmartWool socks to wear with the boots!
2. CASHMERE “beanie”: the only way to be cold if you have #1 is if there is nothing on your head. don’t do it! cashmere doesn’t mess with the hair so much. sometimes i even wear two or layer a headband underneath!
3. AT LEAST TWO scarves: sure, you’ll look bundled up, but this is where i have fun layering different patterns/colours/textures and it makes the whole look interesting even if i have just a boring coat on that’s super warm and goes with everything!

I totally understand you Garance! There’s a bar in the beach here (in Lisbon – just across the Atlantic) that is open in winter as well and that has a hot chocolate in which the spoon stands!!! Oh my… :)
I am moving to NYC and I am so excited that I want the 10 degrees F and I just don’ care! (I have no idea how many C degrees it is….)

Here comes a Russian)
No way to survive without fur! Coats, hats, boots everything with it, otherwise too cold!) A lot of wool – sweaters, skirts, gloves aven tights! A lot of hot tea with lemon and honey! And soups for lunch everyday, to keep you warm! And big, long scarves to cover all your neck and chest, when you walking and talking outside it becomes white with frost))
It all might sound like a snowman outfit, but some girls really make it chic and beautiful.
Stay warm inside!)

I buy the softest, warmest, prettiest accessories I can! My beanie is a beautiful blue that matches my eyes (since that’s all you’re going to see of my face), my scarf is bright coral and grey and tremendously warm, and of course my tech gloves! You also mustn’t forget the classy knit headband/turban in soft seafoam for those brave days of unwashed ponytail hair. Stay beautiful, stay WARM!

I live in Chicago and it’s -20 degrees Celsius here these days. I’m all for being cute and stylish all year long, but at these temperatures I give up. Some people seem to stand the cold better than others. I see them every day in the streets, not wearing hats or scarfs, with simple woolen coats. Me, on the first day it got so cold, my nose almost froze off my face. So, yeah, I gave up. I like my nose too much!

I ended up owning several winter parkas over time, Woolrich, North Face, Pajar, as well as Sorel snow boots (some of them are not only super warm and waterproof, but CUTE in their own way, too!). The secret of cute winter (REAL winter, the one you’re talking about) to me, is to be comfortable in whatever you wear. That’s the only way to go through the winter looking like a princess from 19th century Russia! :)

There is this saying…. “There is no cold weather, only wrong equipment”…. well equipment doesn’t sound very stylish…. but there are really cold days in Switzerland, especially when you are up in the mountains.
My trick…. wearing thermal tops and pants under everything (not very sexy, but on top you can wear the most stylish clothes, nobody sees it what you wear underneath and staying warm is more important for me than feeling sexy) and also very, very important… good shoes, really warm shoes….. sneakers…. no way! (sorry Garance….) I have the ugg adirondack boots, they look pretty ok and are warm waterproof and you can walk quite save on icy ground. xxx

So funny to read your article this morning …. I am currently living in Canada and I wrote something about that just yesterday evening – reference to the motherly advice included ! Guess us girls just think the same way in those cold days …

Ah she looks so cute! I am from Canada, BC to be exact. Though we haven’t gone below around -15 yet, I have definitely been getting lazy with my dressing. I will try to think of this picture when I get ready today!

As a Utah native and a now Seattle resident, I can promise you that the super thin, super insulating, super moisture wicking smart wool socks are a MUST. If your feet are cold you will be miserable, it doesn’t matter what else you are wearing. The shorty ones can be worn with high heeled winter booties that still have you looking quite chic. And I’m all about insulating tight fitting base layers (see REI or Patgonia) underneath boyfriend shirts and sweaters. With skinny jeans, of course.

I wear lululemon tights under my jeans – they’re already quite thick on their own, so under jeans, you don’t feel any chill at all! Plus they hold in the little food baby from the 4589284-Calorie hot chocolate!

I have also found that leather (faux or real) is a great layering piece – it doesn’t breathe, so it traps in all of your body heat when layered under a winter coat :) Thinner leather pieces still fit under non-Alaskan-expedition coats so we can still put forth the semblance of styling effort.

I live in Minneapolis where it has been extremely cold this week!
So I pull out my Muck boots, black neoprene boots rated for -45 degrees and throw on my caution orange Lands End Canvas long jacket and hope I look somewhat okay! I just want to stay warm!!

she looks amazing! I’ve been dressed in pretty much the same outfit (the only outfit that’s warm enough) for weeks and I’m so sick of it! to hear that it is actually possible to look nice in this kind of weather is great motivation to keep trying ;)

My trick for Canadian winters? Figure skating tights! Definitely wear them underneath pants always, and under a pair of thick black tights when I refuse to let winter bully me into a frumpy outfit. Afterall, they’re made for the ice, and they’re perfectly skintight! I’ve gotta say though, Canada Goose jackets are no where near cool here. God, I’d love to be that warm, and call me vain, but I just can’t join the ranks of the over plastic surgeried women and Jersey Shore wannabes that wear ’em in Toronto.

The hardest part about surviving a Toronto winter is a lack of nice boots! We can certainly wear ugly winter boots, but they all seem to weigh about 10 lbs per foot, and then you have to carry around your indoor everyday? Where are the cute non-slip, lined ankle boots?

Fur! I swear by fur! Since my husband gave me my first mink with hoodie, I havent looked back or at other non-fur coats for winter… Just fur: vison, renard, peau lainee (mink,fox, tuscan shearling…). It s the best thing ever…sorry to all animal lovers! In Paris, i just need to wear one simple layer(can even be cotton) and my fur coat is enough to keep me warm. No more thick sweaters, or layering unless i’m somewhere below zéro then i add on a cashmere sweater. Uniqlo heat tech tops are also fab… Thin but warm. Idea is to stay warm without the bulk. Must be light enough underneath that when you’re indoors in à well heated area, you dont need to take off 10 layers before getting confortable (lesson learnt while living in Beijing) Nothing beats fur ;)

I live in Canada – today it’s -12 and with the wind feels like -20. I have space heater running under my desk! My top tip is Wolford Merino tights. Skinny but warm! And won’t make you overheat if you are popping in and out all day. Also, lined wool pants… Total luxury item. But totally worth it. Shearling gloves are good… And you must have good pants. If your feet get cold you can never, ever recover.

You’re so funny Garance – I’m feeling your pain right now. In London, all I want to wear is biker boots with chunky socks in them, looong sweaters (bum warmers) and hats and scarfs. No chic factored in; just warmth. I need to get back in the game. Thanks for this post; it really cheered me up on this cold day.

I am in Canada, Western Quebec. It was -35 (C) today with the wind chill…The actual temperature this morning (without factoring wind) was -29. If I have to walk around outside, I keep warm with one of my two prized possessions: my vintage embroidered wool James Bay parkas that are incredibly, surprisingly warm. Also, living here you learn quickly that you can’t survive a cold snap without many thin layers, a toque (“beanie”), warm mittens (no gloves, fingers need body heat), big warm scarf, long johns or tights (I love Mountain Equipment Co-op’s silk thermals, very thin and very warm you can even wear under *skinnies*)…and actual for-real lined winter boots, if you are not looking to lose toes. Ginger tea helps too! Stay warm!

Argh! Garance! In Scotts picture of you I spy your bare ankles. You must be freeeeeeezing!
For me, It’s all about layering. And one funny thing I realized in the last years is that when it gets really really cold, I stay warmer in dresses than jeans. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true.
xoxo and stay warm

Pfffff what a wuss….I live in Edmonton Canada and -12(10 Fahrenheit) its like Spring time : )) Nah to be honest I wear my canada goose (the victoria parka style which is quite slim, but none the less really warm) and try not to get out of the house unless I really have to!

I actually just recently posted about how I dress to stay warm in this unbearable winter chill! Granted I’ve fallen to the trap of a black coat as well. But I absolutely love Lauren’s style, and that shade of burgundy!

Agreed! NYC has been arctic this past week and everyone on the streets looks miserable which, I must admit, is a bit of a funny sight in retrospect. Out of embarrassment, I used to take off my puffer coat in the lobby, but caved and got a cloth one that’s not even close in terms of warmth :[ Hiding a North Face or Patagonia fleece under your coat may help!

HEAT TECH! I can go at length about this, but it is my life saviour. Whenever I have to leave my little tropical paradise island and venture out to the mainland, I need it. I’ve been so acclimated to year around heat (it’s been in the 60’s and I’m all bundled up), that Tokyo seems unbearably cold. Plus, they rarely have centralized heating in Japan. So, this is very Japanese of me, but go to Uniqlo, and buy several layers of heat tech. Heat tech tights, leggings, thigh-high socks, and then any pants you want, and you’ll be warm enough. Same sort of layering for the top, and you’re good to go! And, and I’m not sure if they sell these in America, but Japanese Uniqlo makes things that are like, knitted heat tech wool butt warmers, and also torso warmers. You feel completely ridiculous, for sure, but if you don’t mind the added bulk (and under a gigantic coat, who does?), throwing on a torso warmer is perfect. You can get a kairo (I’m not sure what they are in English, but like, a little hand held heater thing), and stick those in between the layers. It’s the greatest feeling.

Yes, I live in Canada, and it has been -30 celcius here for the past 3-4 days with the windchill. I was born and raised here but I will NEVER get used to it. So…I arm myself with layers, my moncler coat and my most prized possession in times like this my Harricana by Mariouche hat, I have had it for 8 years now (they are from Montreal and use recycled leather and fur for their hats) and THAT HAT is my saving grace. And…I drink a lot of red wine to keep me warm. ;)

Oh this is the perfect question to ask me. Thought about it a lot before. Since I discovered the pics of the Sartorialist I sweared to myself that I will never let myself go again and wanted to be like the classy people on his blog. They layer pretty much but for everyday life you have to borrow mostly from the gents. Their clothes are often of better quality, wider and have thicker fabric. Also I let myself inspire of vintage pics. How did people deal with cold before the invention of stuffed-sausage-coats? These images are a good source…we all now there was a time when it was aquired to dress always chic in public space.
If I have to look good and a little chicer, like for school I borrow a little from the equistry department. This means their thick but tight riding pants (or just similar regular skinny jeans or jeggings from retail). My upper parts get layered 5 times: camisole, chemise, a long and thick cashmere-lambswool pullover, then a wide wool cardigan and at last my Barbour-jacket. Of course don’t forget a shawl, big wool-hat, shearling gloves. (Almost everything from COS, they sell wool stuff reasonable priced)
For the feet definetely two layers of sock, one of wool. When the city is full of muddy snow my AIGLE riding rubber boots are the best. They are lined and absolutely don’t slide and are also chicer than the Hunters. At dry weather leather combat boots.
Living in Cologne this serves me up to -10 °C. If colder find you some vintage fur on ebay for 70 bucks (like me) and put it over your jacket. The legs need then another layer too. Wear thermotights underneath. Good ones normally for skiing.
Also I work at an excavation right in the middle at the city. We have many tourist visitors there so I don’t allow myself to look like a dirty construction site worker like my colleagues. They hate me for looking good at work. We are the most time of the day outside no matter what temperatures. For that I put two thermotights on and some angora underwear (as fur won’t be appropiate;). Then I wear a black bootcut pant from Zara to hide my ugly securityshoes. I have never freezed since declaring wool to my best friend for winter. Buy your wool jumpers bigger and wash them a little too hot. They will shrink also they’ll become felted. This holds even warmer.

Color! Sometimes winters hues like deep forest green and burgundy, but also, every year I try to buy a bright outerwear item to spice up that outer layer… Perhaps a bright yellow wool hooded caccoon coat, or bright fuschia in a cape, easy to layer silhouette. As you mentioned with snowboard gear, getting a little out of character can often broaden the perspective, and enhance the enjoyment of heading outside on an inhospitable day.

I looooove Winter and cold. I am from north east of France and live now in south and sun! I am so happy now because it is coooold and i can wear a beautiful leather ” doudoune” and my parka from schott. The same my husband has! Blue marine and hot!
But how to keep warm is to stay home, with a good chocolate, looking Disney with my twins who are 3 years old! Love is so sweet and warm!
Sorry for my english! It is the new pardon my french!! Ah ah!

Garance! I love you so much and your talk about diabetes (not only am I in medical school so I hear this in a serious light a lot and also in a joking light by all my fellow students when we eat junk) makes me want to tell you YOU ARE SO AMERICAN (YAY!) and it’s amazing that you have incorporated that into your speech. I only realize that is SUCH an american thing to say when you said it – how ironic!? You are so fabulous in everything you do – I am sure you have no idea how chic you look in your beanie/roadie outfit. I used to live in Montreal for 5 years (makes me cold thinking about it) but I’m also very very cold right now, in Chicago… it got to 1 degree F here the other day… makes me want to say F F F ! In my experience, you need some FUR – it is the savior. A fur collar, or a fur hood. I happen to have some fur-lined gloves which are incredible, suede on the outside + fur on the inside = toasty fingers. Also, an excellent cashmere sweater – that will LOCK in the moisture and heat so much that you might be suffocating of being so hot by the time you get to your destination (it’s happened to me). An excellent scarf that you can wrap a lot (Faliero Sarti is my favorite, or an oversized Rick Owens but these are potentially TOO big and confused with a blanket) ALSO make sure your shoes are very well insulated from the floor… so that might mean wearing some nice Anne Demeulemeester wedge high heels to stay as far away from the cold floor as possible – whatever you choose, this is very important in staying warm. Warmly – your biggest fan! xoxo

I live in the Yukon (the what?) in Canada, where it averages between -35 C (I don’t know what that is in F) (Rest assured, it’s where your eyelashes freeze as soon as you step outside) and -10 C in the Winter. Currently, it is -10 and SO NICE. Trust me, when you’ve been living in -35, -10 C feels like Spring.

I wear this J CREW puffy in navy because it’s belted, and therefore, you don’t look like a marshmallow:

Well… I’m Canadienne, from Ottawa. This week has been around -40 with the windchill calculated in. Now Ottawa definitely isn’t the place to find style. I’m firmly of the belief that the only places in Canada where you will see stylish people are Montreal and Toronto. Unless one has a driver to meet them the moment they step outside, it is very likely that they will at some point get a face full of cold, dry, worse than freezer-burn air. If a serious thick black parka, long scarf, jeans, large sweaters, and Sorel boots (the ugly, rated to well below -40C/F ones mind you) are at all fashionable when combined then yes, Canadians are terrifically fashionable mid-winter. Wearing less than that around here is a definite cry for help!

How about -41 with 35km/h wind?
At least you guys don’t have much snow and could walk easily. You don need to worry about slippery road and icy walkaways to falling down.
This is our life in Winnipeg. MB. Your spring is coming soon, but we will have -10 (your temperature now) by March.

hahhaha i was laughing so much when i read “…that girl does not give up”. Your writing always makes me smile so much :) totally love it!!
let’s see..how do i stay warm..i usually wear a felt coat and maybe put on a beanie. But I’m from LA so it’s never too cold for long. Now that I moved to norcal (so much colder up here), i’m going to have to think of more ideas. Or get more coat colors. :))

As a Montrealer, today, I found myself sporting a super big knit wool sweater, slick thermal leggings beneath cord jeans, a down coat and a thick wool hat SO my eyes bugged out and jaw dropped when I saw a young girl wearing Uggs and thick pantyhose in the metro. I mean not those thick leggings or tights but hose. Skin was showing underneath, the whole length of her legs because her coat just barely covered her bum. I kept checking to see if she was real or just a mirage….I mean my face actually burned from the cold wind.

My beloved, but no-longer-with-us mother in law had a gorgeous full length fur coat. Nobody wanted it, because of the politics surrounding fur in recent years. I’ve lived in it here in NYC this week. It’s 40 years old and keeps me toasty over jeans and a cotton turtleneck. The challenge is the buildings in NYC are so HOT, so wearing lots of layers is a pain.Insulated LLBean boots from college and a knit hat my sister made complete the ‘outfit’. I lose gloves so I just jam my hands in the pockets of the coat.

I did get caught up in a fall snowstorm in NYC last year completely unprepared wearing a simple (read thin) Burberry trench (no parka or wool coat)… I walked into the Uniqlo on 5th Ave while it was raining and I walked out into a snowstorm… Totally caught off guard (and slightly freaked out by the snow), I walked right back into Uniqlo and bought snow combat gear. That store saved me that day. My other cold weather tip: Wigwams. Best. Socks. Ever.

ha ha! I am in new york right now, and after years of being collapsed and given into the frump, I am finally having what i consider a chic winter. I have a puffer coat, but it was so ugly! And i wore it with boots and jeans everh day ever day withot feeling sexy and chic. This year, nspired by Rick Owens, et al, I have a new weapon, which started when had an old 1960’s knee length tweed coat lined in very soft lovely FUR. Yeah, the f word. I never wore the tweed coat, so I took the lining out, discarded the coat, and have a knee length fur vest that does not button. Now I wear the fur over a camel hair knee length coat tha does button. Its very warm, chic, and not black. Then indoors, I can wear the fur over normal clothes, like slim wool layers of dresses and sweaters with my derek lam felt boots from the thrift shop that are comfortable
And warm, or the helmt lang leather leggings i got on sale. With the sleek lines and natural materials its is all amazingly warm and i feel like a badass in a 1970s sci fi movie. just went to california for the weekend and wore the fur over a vinatge suede coat, it rocked. Great on the plane and chilly nights as a blanket under the sun. I know some people may think the fur is evil, and along with the the leather stuff its a lot of dead animals, but this fur is vintage, the animals would have been dead by now anyways. I also have furry animals I love and have saved 35 cats off the street in nyc, ( and found them homes, i am not a hoarder!) so for me the fur is more like a protection, and a signal of my wildness in the urban jungle. I feel like part of why people get aggro in the winter is they forget thier bodies and animal side, and wearing wool cotton felt fur suede leather helps me with that. I work in a very stressful job, so I use the clothing as a kind of magic cloak to protect myself and stay grounded. A lot of nyc girls are running around in vintage furs this winter, not deconstructed like mine, but warm and retro. That and uniqlo heat socka have made my winter powerful and sexy and warm.

Be careful! When I was a student in NYC I came home on a freezing cold day anda took a really hot bath to get warm and passed out just as I got out and hit my head. No major damage and eventually I headed home to Hawaii where it is cold for us today, about 65 degrees and very misty, but very bright rainbows. Come and visit and warm up. we know this chill today won’t last long and if we are lucky we will have snow on Mauna Kea.

Ahhhh yes the cold. In Winnipeg it has been between -40 and -44 (Celsius of course) with the windchill all week. How to look cute? Since it is so cold that my hair turns white with frost from being outside for five minutes, I sacrifice everything for warmth. I have this gigantic parka that my Nana sewed for herself and then gave me because she doesn’t wear it. It is huge and warm.. Also long johns! Wool socks! A gargantuan scarf. I’m not sure if I look cute or if you can’t tell there is a person under all of those clothes… but I am warm.

Okay, so I am one lucky girl from Russia where it’s from 10 to -13F all winter (no kidding) and I have had to find some ways to keep warm and chic (even a tiny little bit chic) during this cold haze, and these are:
1. Wool tights under pants/jeans (btw, jeans are better because the fabric is thicker). Not stockings because with stockings your bum gets reaaaallly cold.
2. Turtleneck under a sweater/shirt OR any kind of a light blouse with a reaaallly warm woolen (like, real wool, the one that pricks) cardigan, the one you can always take off and turn into a beauty.
3. The worst thing is the boots. Leather boots are much colder than the ones made of some non-leather material (including uggs, no matter how ugly they are they kept me warm when it was -15F), so if you can find pretty non-leather boots it will save your feet.

I’m in Helsinki, Finland!! We had something like -4 Fahrenheit last week. (AND I HATE KNITWEAR FOR SOME REASON – but I make it every winter!!!) It’s easy! Just layers, layers, (vodka??), and good materials. E.g. wool and faux fur (I know – not that good of a material, but my faux fur hats/scarves keep me so so warm. Fur would be better ofc but I’m not feelin’ it). I’m talking woolen tights, legwarmers, socks (underneath those maybe 2 regular socks), hat, scarf, mittens, plus a coat that has at least 30% wool in it. YAY!
For some reason I secretly love it when it gets that extreme. It’s a frickin adventure every time you go out. YEAH!

Here, in Finland it’s almost 30 degrees BELOW so -30°C !!!!!!!!!!!
It’s impossible to think about anything but ugly, warm clothes (read: Canada Coose up to knees, UGG boots from knees below)… Winter really sucks. If it was like in New York – I would be more than happy :)

1.) Tights don`t count as a layer. If anything they just serve to make your feet colder in your shoes.
2.) Skinny Jeans are a must NOT. You can`t functionally put anything underneath them.
3.) Boots. Giant ones (giant moose skin mukluks: try Steger Mukluks if you REALLY want warmth).
4.) Cover your head.
5.) Thick scarf. I have one made out of Yak s wool. Very warm.
6.) A coat that goes at least to your knees.
7.) Suck it up. When it starts to get really cold, you stop feeling the difference, anyways. In my experience there is not a huge difference between minus 20 and minus 30. It just hurts…

You don`t lose your style, it s just a little bit less chic than it was before….

Wedges really help me!! Every extra inch up off the ground keeps my feet warmer than any wooly socks! Other than that Uniqlo all the way: From heattech to giant (but light!) down coats with cosy hoods…. oh! and a take away coffee as often as possible…… Roll on Springtime :)

One suggestion for you, my dear- start drinking!! :) I am from Serbia, Belgrade, and we had -20C (that’s -4 Fahrenheit) and it was horrible, but nothing that a glass of hot wine can’t fix :). So layers-yes, wool and cotton-definitely and booze-absolutely-positively a must!
Enjoy the weekend!http://sml.rs/stil/4084/perjana-jakna-za-svaku-priliku.html

Garance! In Warsaw, Poland is -10 and forecasts say it’s goona be even -15 during the weekend so absolutely very, very cold winter (snow is snowing non stop almost whole week) :)
I think the best way is to dress in layers. Im’ doing this and must say it’s fulfills its role. And you can be also chic with some razy, big, long scarf etc! :)

Ah Garance! How I agree with your sentiments towards winter! In Montreal, we’ve been experiencing -25C (-12F) all week. Record cold even for us! The only beauty concern we have is how to not get frostbite. Peeling itchy skin is far more unsightly than an oversized jacket and Ugg boots. And shivering in the cold is not very sexy.

Here we all understand that our outer layer does not reflect what we’re actually wearing!

I’ve been wearing a NorthFace long jacket with a pair of lace up Uggs. Sometimes I feel like I’m wearing a sleeping bag… Better being warm than ending up with frostbite.

Wear tights! Everyday! I have a pair of fleece tights that I love to wear underneath a pair of skinny jeans with a little stretch. You will stay warm and cozy as can be. This also works to wear 2 pairs of tights when you are wearing a skirt. Having the fabric tight against your legs prevents is warmer than with a loose pant (where the air can blow up inside the leg).

I cannot live without my Canada Goose coat, it is the best coat decision I’ve ever made. As for the boots on dogs, I think they are quite functional in a city especially. With all the salt on the sidewalks, the salt hurts the little buddies’ paws! I felt so terrible the other day because my pup was lifting his paws up while walking (an exaggerated lift), in an attempt not to touch the cold, stinging salt. So the boots, while looking a bit ridiculous, do help out.

In Denmark it’s only one type of girls who wear Canada Goose parkas, they always seem to have their hair dyed red, do a lot of self-tanning and wear too much mascara, so they aren’t particular stylish here.
I have found out that when it’s cold here (around – 10 degrees celcius (pfft, Fahrenheit-system, do americans aspire to make thing more difficult, just to be special??)), wearing a thick t-shirt under a heavy cotton shirt, with a heavy knitted sweater works fine underneath a wool coat. Just remember hat, gloves a (very) warm scarf and that the coat should be knee length.

1. Layers
2. Wooly innersoles for my boots that I always buy 1/2 size larger for heavier socks. You can get them at Leather Spa or Andrade on Bleecker. These REALLY help feet to keep warm.
3. For a snowstorm, my Sorel boots. I have 2 pair. One is ankle height with a zipper, the other mid calf height that laces. One of them is called Caribou, don’t remember the other.
4. Norma Kamali sleeping bag coats- I have a super long one, a knee length one, & a camo one. (Now people that know me for the camo coat will know that I wrote this.)
5. A North Face or Diesel long goose down coat (to ankles on me because I am short) with a hood when I’ve kind of given up on the fashion aspect. Although they happen to look cool.
6. A different hat every day- beanies, felt cloches, one of those fur trapper hats. It makes putting my outerwear outfit together fun.
7. Also a different scarf every day- a long one that wraps and wraps around and can also be wrapped around the head, Grace Kelly in the 50s style, a black infinity scarf that can be wrapped around the neck twice, worn as a shrug, and also worn over the head, a taupe infinity twisty scarf that is made out of cashmere and is SO cozy.
8. Different glove options- different colors to mix & match depending on what coat I’m wearing. Usually wool or cashmere. I also have a pair of elbow length gloves from Tom Scott that are super warm if I’m just running out with a t shirt on under my coat.
9. A fishtail parka made for extreme cold weather with a fur trimmed hood. It’s like your Mr & Mrs Fur parka but it is not lined in fur.
10. Wool socks in interesting colors & patterns from Antipast that I get at Barneys every winter. Some of them are knee highs for extra warmth under pants.
11. Either Wolford Polar Tights or Uniqlo Heat tec tights in black for dress or skirt wearing days.
12. If all else fails, I use those hand warmers from Paragon inside the gloves for extra warmth.
13. And last but not least, the hot chocolate at City Bakery. There is none better!

I wear a Canada Goose jacket, sorel boots and deerskin lined gloves and I put the handwarmers in my gloves when it is really cold. Check out equestrian riding stores. They always have a ton of apparel and boots, gloves etc for riding outside in cold weather. Fleeced lined riding pants are great for cold winters. My winter riding boots are the warmest thing I have and they are…yay, in style.

I live right next to Russia and over seas is Finland (You know where Santa lives right?) So, here it is normal to have -10C (notice thats not Farhenheit) during the winter, -15 even! and then we have days that it’s -25C! Then I put on my extra warm I can live on the North Pole outfit (we are talking warm warm pants and HUGE parka, not to forget special boots and gloves LOL!)

on normal days I wear one of my 7 WINTER coats. Not trying to be dramatic here, but they are REALLY winter coats. They are fully lined with wool batting and have flannel as windbreaker(thats how they did coats in the olden days!). Yes, flannel. All my coats are hand made by me for my self. They are super warm and I cant wait to add to me teeny tiny collection.

oh Garance you made me laugh so hard with your chocolate story!! had to nap in the middle of a shopping session hahaha it must’ve really been serious! where did you have this hot chocolate?

yeah…i wish it was 10 degrees Fahrenheit here in Montreal instead of um, -13 degrees Fahrenheit :) but it’s all perspective, i understand – you’re not used to it. I’m born here and I’m still not used to it. Every Canadian winter for the past couple of years I tell myself it’s my last one…one day lol.

and to answer your question about how we stay chic in this super, not-even-human, cold weather well…some days are better than others…on the bad days, i pretty much cover myself head to toe and just leave enough space in my face to see and breathe. i wear an ADD down-feather coat…i love it. for boots, i think Sorels and Uggs are pretty good but I’m sure there are other winter boot brands out there that offer quality over paying for the brand name. but boots are the one thing I can’t seem to invest on, don’t know why…one reason is probably because they look horrible when paired with skirts and dresses. (do you know how annoying it is to go to a restaurant or club in winter in Montreal?) us girls we usually sacrifice warmth and smart comfort for semi-acceptable looking winter footwear, which leaves your toes cold and slightly frost-bitten all night. unless you carry your heels with you, but then where do you keep your boots? and dammit, you’ll have to carry a larger bag to a chic restaurant!

oh gosh. I think this should be my last winter here :) I’d be better off in Miami or something…ah…day-dreaming is always nice.

Reporting in from Anchorage, where it’s currently below zero. A good wool coat, preferably one with Thinsulate (J. Crew makes some nice ones), a pretty scarf, hat and lots of moisturizer are musts right now. I wore a great cashmere sweater with a huge cowl neck yesterday that I could bury my face in if necessary–it totally did the job.

As much as you love your skinny jeans you might have to put them away for that type of weather. Jeans are the worst to wear when it is a cold out. I agree. layers, layers and more layers. Thermals always help and a heating patch that you can stick on your back.

So as a gril from Poland, where the temperature dropped below -20 Celsius this weekend, I think I can give you some pieces of advice ;) I even feel kinda obliged to save you from this funny low temperature which, belive me, is not winter at all (ask Siberians, they know all about it!)

1. Wear TIGHTS under your trousers. Yes, I really mean that. I hated when my mother told me to do that when I was a kid, but now I totally do it every day. The best is to buy them 1 size bigger and pull them up as high as possible, so that they don’t go down + you can buy slimming/anti cellulite/other similar because they are more thight and fitting.

PS. As a real Pole I have to advice you one more thing, when you get back home after freezing outside, drink a shot of vodka (it can be flavoured one! like nuts or cherries) or add the shot to your tea. It will warm you from inside.

I love love love your style and illustrations and enjoy reading your blog so much! You have incredible insights into fashion and lifestyle and I am very interested in your honest and heartwarming perspectives. :)

It really disappoints me to see you advocating Canada Goose jackets which are cruelly made with coyote fur. I live in Toronto and agree that a nice parka is essential for cosy comfort in the winter, but it saddens me deeply to see such an un-necessity (fur trim) become a fashion necessity.

I can’t walk half a block from the subway to work without seeing at least 5 Canada Goose jackets. That trend is out of control.